Is there actually such a thing as being overqualified for a job? As it turns out, Thrivas, a leader among staffing agencies in Tampa FL, has found that our clients feel there is such a thing. As you learn how to answer interview questions, you’re going to discover that if this statement comes up during your interview, there are two things you need to keep in mind.
In the first place, this isn’t the interviewer being nice. If you’re not qualified for the job, the company isn’t going to be looking to soften the blow. They’re not going to be caustic about it, but they’re not going to go to any great lengths to spare your feelings.
In the second place, being told you’re overqualified for job does not mean you’re sunk. There are indeed interview answers that can be utilized in this situation. There are things you can say that will not only keep you in the hunt, but quite possibly increase your chances of being hired. Learning how to answer interview questions goes well beyond simply knowing what to say. You also need to learn when the time is right to say the things that are going to impress employers, and bring you that much closer to getting the job you’re after.
Being Overqualified
In order to avoid losing out because you’re apparently overqualified for the job, there are things you can do before and during the interview. There are also interview answers that can steer things away from this topic, if it seems like things are getting close to that suggestion, or if the interviewer has already said it.
Keep these tips in mind if you would like to avoid or overcome the “overqualified for the job” interview obstacle:
- Stay away from jobs that are well below your qualifications. Unless you absolutely have no choice, avoid job interviews for positions that are dramatically below you current experience level/salary range.
- Make it clear in the interview that you’re not just looking for a temporary position. Interviewers can become concerned that an applicant is only looking at the job as a means of tiding them over, until something better comes along. Throughout the interview, do not give the interviewer any reason to consider this possibility.
- If the overqualified for job statement does come up, relax. Use the opportunity to calmly and confidently explain why the job is by no means beneath you. Mention the challenges and responsibilities within the position that appeal to you.
- Ask for clarification. If the issue comes up, simply and very politely ask for details, then address those details appropriately.
Thrivas staffing agency hopes this helps!
Find a job by searching below
- Data Entry Associate (Work From Home)
RemoteOnline — Ashburn,VAAbout the job Data Entry Associate (Work From Home) Administrative Assistant / Remote - Anywhere in U.S./ $15 per hour / $2K annual bonus / Company paid insurance (Medical-Dental-Vision-Life) -...
- CHEVY CHASE FAMILY SEEKS HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANT!
The Nanny League — Chevy Chase,MDChevy Chase Nanny/Household Assistant Chevy Chase, MD - A wonderful family is seeking an engaging, responsible, and highly organized Nanny/Household Assistant to support their active 3.5 year old, 5-year-old and...
- Locksmith
Amentum — Falls Church,VALocksmith Amentum is looking for a Locksmith to join our team in McLean, VA! As a Locksmith, you will install, repair, replace, and maintain locks, as well as open locks...
- Doughnut Maker
Krispy Kreme — Rockville,MDSince its founding in 1937, Krispy Kreme's focus has remained the same - making fresh doughnuts using our founder's original recipe. The brand's iconic Hot Light lets consumers know when...
- Material Handler - Loader
Dover Corporation — Arlington,VAMaterial Handler - Loader Location: South Chesterfield, VA, US, 23834 Work Arrangement: Onsite Job Title: Material Handler II Location: South Chesterfield, VA What We Are Looking For: The Material...
- Merchandiser Small Store 5 Day
Coca-Cola Refreshments — Sterling,VARequisition ID: 237993 Locations: Sterling Pay Range: 205.00 - 206.65 Daily, depending on experience Schedule: (Open Field) Click here to experience a Day in the Life of our Teammates! Uncap...
- Funeral Service Assistant (part-time)
Service Corporation International — Washington,DCFuneral Services Assistant Provides clerical and administrative assistance supporting funeral operations. Other general duties include meeting the general public, answering questions and providing information on funeral and cremation...
- Data Entry Clerk
Sparks Personnel Services — Herndon,VAAccurately count and record inventory Data entry of product numbers Team support in secured environment Qualifications: Extensive background screening required for position (Public Trust) Proficiency with data entry input Must...
- Housekeeper - Full-time - Arden Courts Kensington
Arden Courts — Kensington,MDDescription As a Housekeeper, you are responsible for the cleanliness of common areas and cleaning in resident care areas. You provide industry-leading care and compassion in daily interaction with residents...
- Warehouse Worker
Salvation Army Southern Territory — Leesburg,VAWarehouse Worker Schedule/Hours: Part-time This position is responsible for: Under the general supervision of the Warehouse Supervisor, the Warehouse Worker is responsible for the receipt, storage, and distribution of...
- Cleaner - PT or FT
Homeaglow — Chantilly,VA[Housekeeper / Janitor] - Earn up to $25-hr. + 100% of tips / Flexible hours (you set your own schedule) - Homeaglow is hiring professional house cleaners. Be your own...
- Picking
Fastenal — Fairfax,VAAbout the Role As a Fastenal Picking Associate, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring that customer orders are accurately and efficiently fulfilled. You'll work in a fast-paced warehouse environment,...
- IT JOB Training Program
Year Up United — Washington,DCYear Up United is a one-year or less, intensive job training program that provides young adults with in-classroom skill development, access to internships and/or job placement services, and personalized coaching...
- Warehouse Associate I (8am to 5pm)
White Cap — Gainesville,VAA position at White Cap isn't your ordinary job. You'll work in an exciting and diverse environment, meet interesting people, and have a variety of career opportunities. The White Cap...
- Customer Service Associate I
Dollar Tree — Brunswick,MDCustomer Service Associate We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties include, but are not limited to, the...
- Need Work? Want to help people? Become a Senior Caregiver
MissionCare — Sterling,VANeed Work? Want to help people? Become a Senior Caregiver We recognize that many individuals have been laid off due to the coronavirus or may be seeking additional hours.We can...
- Warehouse Helper
Carroll Water — Chantilly,VAA warehouse helper is responsible for maintaining warehouse, outdoor spaces, assisting with loading/unloading materials, organizing inventory, and supporting general operations. Responsibilities Load and unload materials (e.g.,...
- Assembler - Hiring Now
SAIC — Sterling,VAJob Description Description This is a dynamic, multi-phase technical role supporting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) systems. The position begins in Sterling, VA, where you'll work as an Assembler/Break-Fix...
- Package Handler
UPS — Bristow,VA**Job Description**: As a Package Handler at UPS, you will be responsible for the physical loading, unloading, and sorting of packages of varying sizes and weights by hand. This role...
- In-Store Shopper (Online Orders) - Part Time
Whole Foods Market IP. L.P. — Bethesda,MDPay Competitive Location Bethesda/Maryland Employment type Part-Time Job Description At Whole Foods Market, were committed to providing record-setting grocery delivery services to our Prime Now customers. This is a...
- Call Center Representative
ROCS Grad Staffing — Rockville,MDA Call Center Representative plays a key role in customer service by handling inbound or outbound calls to assist customers. Here's a general job description for this role: Job Title:...
- Caregiver Needed in Frederick, MD
HomeCentris Healthcare — Frederick,MDFull Time Part Time Frederick, MD Posted on Sept 18, 2024 Company: HomeCentris Location: Frederick, MD Job Type: Full-time, Part-Time Schedule: Monday through Friday; Weekends About...
- Office Clerk
MindSpring Partners LLC — Washington,DCI have an immediate need for a temporary Office Clerk in Washington DC. My client, a top-ranked global law firm, is looking for a temporary Office Clerk to support their...
- Stocker
Amazon — Herndon,VAJob Title: Stocker Employer: Amazon Job Description: As a Stocker at Amazon, you will be responsible for stocking and organizing products in the warehouse. You will ensure that shelves are...
- Cart & Janitorial Associate
Walmart — Manassas,VAWalmart - 8386 Sudley Rd - [Custodian / Cart Attendant / Team Member / up to $23-hr] - As a Cart & Janitorial Associate at Walmart, you'll: Ensure customers have...
- Administrative Assistant
Elite Personnel — Bethesda,MDThis position is fully on-site. The Administrative Assistant provides professional administrative and office support. This role ensures smooth day-to-day operations by managing scheduling, correspondence, travel,...
- Dishroom Attendant $18/hr
gategroup — Dulles,VACompensation & Competitive benefits that let you see the world: 1. Starting rate:$18/hr Job Summary: A Dishroom attendant is responsible for washable...
- Costco Sample Associate
CDS (Club Demonstration Services) — Arlington,VAWe want you to help us shape the future of shopping experiences and deliver on our purpose of connecting people with the products and experiences that enrich their lives. Joining...
- Store Associate Year-Round
The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC — Reston,VAJoin the #HamFam! If you're looking for a part time job, a seasonal position or a new gig, HoneyBaked could be for you. Our schedules are perfect for students, teachers,...
- Maintenance Helper/Custodian - Little Flower Parish - Bethesda Maryland
Archdiocese of Washington — Bethesda,MDSPECIFIC DUTIES • Performs work related to maintenance, repair, cleaning, custodial, and operational activities. • Assists in conducting regular reviews and inspections of facilities, grounds, and equipment according to...
- Packaging Mechanic
Scientific Search — Manassas,VAJob Title: Packaging Mechanic Overview: The Packaging Mechanic plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations by performing setups and maintenance tasks on assigned production lines. This position requires...
- Restaurant Crew Member - $17.95/hr
Wonder — Washington,DCAbout the Role At Wonder, we make world-class food accessible to everyone. As a Team Member, you'll help bring menus from Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs to life while creating an...
- Nestlé Packaging Co-Op Spring 2027
Nestle — Arlington,VAFoods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. At Nestlé USA, we're all working towards the same goal - to delight and deliver for...
- Dishwasher
Healthcare Services Group — Berryville,VAOverview: Role: Dishwasher ...
- Warehouse/Shipping/Delivery Specialist
Clark's Litho — Chantilly,VAClark's Litho, a commercial printer, seeks a Warehouse/Shipping/Local Delivery Associate for our Chantilly, VA location. Selected candidate should have previous warehouse experience, preferably in a print shop environment, but not...
- Assembler - Hiring Now
Leonardo DRS — Frederick,MDJob ID: 113296 The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that protect...
- Part Time - Loader/Cart Associate - Flexible
Lowe's — Manassas,VAWhat You Will Do All Lowe's associates deliver quality customer service while maintaining a store that is clean, safe, and stocked with the products customers need. As a Customer Service...
- IAD Parts Clerk
Swissport International AG — Sterling,VAOverview: Are you ready to take flight in a dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry? As a global leader in aviation services, Swissport provides Ground Handling, Cargo Handling, and Passenger...
- Dishwasher
Silver Diner Development, LLC — Chantilly,VAJob Description If you have a passion for hospitality, connecting with people, and serving great food on the cutting edge of hot trends, Silver Diner is the place for you!...
- Van Driver
Hallcon — Brunswick,MDAre you ready to embark on a rewarding driving career without the need for a CDL? At Hallcon, we've got you covered - from providing the vehicle, fuel, insurance, to...